How we define leadership?

Leadership is behavior that is informed by your values. At Belong by Dawn Christian®, we define these values as your ethos. Leadership is about how you influence others by demonstrating transparency, vulnerability  and being committed to making a human connection with intention/ on purpose. Leadership is not a leveling, but it is about how your ethos defines your core, and how you will take an active role in Claiming and Creating® a sense of Belonging for yourself and others in the spaces that you lead.  

What does Belonging mean?

We define Belonging as the core foundation of inclusion, diversity, equity, accountability, and social impact. Belonging is also one of the most basic, yet prevalent, human needs; it centers on authenticity and humanness. When belonging exists, there’s a feeling of respect, acceptance, honor, and significance. 

These feelings generate a sense of connectedness and community through vulnerability and transparency by promoting trust, and establishing psychological safety. And while it may be a basic human need, fostering Belonging is an Ethos-Driven Leadership competency. Belonging requires skills to achieve and maintain it.

What is Ethos-Driven?

 Ethos-Driven aligns your values with your leadership. This is more than the performative and perception.  Ethos-Driven Leadership is about your core. At the core of your Ethos-Driven Leadership are  four key elements– your purpose, needs, influence and beliefs. 

How we define sponsorship?

Not to be conflated with allyship or mentorship. Sponsorship is about more than what you agree with (allyship) or mentorship (willingness to provide advice and support)-- sponsorship is active advocacy. Because sponsorship is about sustainable way-making, it requires the application of equity and accountability. Sponsorship is informed by both your influence and your resources. It means you’re not only championing a concept, but you’re willing to actively put your name, reputation, influence and resources on the line to make that ‘thing’ happen.

What is Unplugged?

When we use this term, we mean be present and be community. One of the ways we do that is by having an intentional focus on doing this work. Don’t worry about posting on social media and taking selfies. If there’s a need to post on social media, we’ll manage that in a way that keeps confidentiality.

Why is Unplugged important?

We are co-creating a space that allows for each of us to learn out loud by creating space for healthy conflict, open discussion and growth. There will be some moments that will push to and through our comfort zones because growth is about stretching. To do this, we need to have an intentional focus and we must honor and respect vulnerability and transparency as the pillars of trust and psychological safety.  

Why me?

You are invited not only because of what you’ve accomplished but specifically because of how you lead. To you, having a meaningful impact is as important as your organization’s success. The last few years have uniquely challenged you to lead your organization, and have a perspective on social impact issues like race, ethnicity, health and sustainability. The workforce has made a call to action for authentic leaders who address issues of equity, balance and well-being. And all of this is happening in the era of “cancel culture.” Leaders like us need a space to BE. You lead differently– your heart is in it. This community is where you can be unapologetic about all of who you are, and to build this community YOU are a necessary factor. 

I personally invited you because you’ve helped me grow and stretch as a leader. You’ve encouraged, pushed, challenged and held me accountable to my purpose. You helped me define my ethos. Who you are is the key to what this community becomes. We are navigating this evolutionary journey together as contributors to a delicate balance of perspectives, lived experiences and values.

Why you want to be here?

 We’re redefining leadership skills to include Belonging as a leadership competency. In this space, you have an opportunity to join  a community of changemakers and social impactors who resonate with how you lead. This is a closed-door, unplugged, opportunity to do the internal and external work it takes to center your personal values within your professional presence.

Imposter Syndrome vs. Qualified

We’ve all heard the opinions of others when it comes to our identities, however outside opinions about who we are and why we do what we do are not always true. This is where imposter syndrome is born. You have the credentials, the lived and professional experience, the accolades, and the title. Yet, despite all the qualifiers and truthful reflection, we often question ourselves and allow what they say to distract us from all the indicators of how qualified we are. The accolades you’ve earned are – those are informed by judgement. And Ethos-Driven Leadership that aligns with committed to our values quiets the noise of imposter syndrome.